René Carayol

Last Updated on 3 April 2020 by Jan-Paul Steggerda

René Carayol believes that extraordinary times demand extraordinary leadership and the “off the shelf” solutions simply no longer prepare organisations for what lies ahead, regardless of their sector or industry.

Everybody thinks their leadership team is strong enough in times of success. But is it fit for purpose when the going gets tough? If ever there was a time for leadership to set the vision and instill confidence, it is now. It has become a business imperative to ensure organisations have the necessary attitudes and leadership in place in order for them to continue to thrive. René draws from his own unique experiences on the boards of the biggest British and American organizations; from Marks & Spencer and Pepsi to IPC Media and the Inland Revenue.

He is the best selling author of the leadership and culture bible, “Corporate Voodoo” and has had the privilege of working closely with some of the world’s best leaders; from former US President Bill Clinton to the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and from former US Secretary of State Colin Powell to Sir Richard Branson.

René is a regular broadcaster for the BBC and has presented the influential “Pay Off Your Mortgage In 2 Years” series, BBC2’s flagship business offering “The Money Programme” and the critically acclaimed “Mind Of A Millionaire” and “Man From The Met” documentaries. He is a broadsheet columnist, a frequent voice on Radio 5 Live and a regular expert commentator on Sky News and BBC Breakfast.

He has provided leadership support to the likes of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, the Home Office and McKinsey and Co, and is now an accomplished Visiting Professor at Cass business school. In 2004 he was awarded an MBE for outstanding service to the business community.

It is this unrivalled business acumen that has seen René facilitate and host conferences all over the world and provide board level mentoring and master classes to some of the world’s largest corporations; establishing a plethora of globally renowned names in his client portfolio in the process.

René asks awkward and uncomfortable questions. How do you change old-fashioned, risk-adverse processes that are ill suited to emerging global markets? How do you secure and nurture the talents of a new generation of leaders? How do you overcome cynicism and complacency, and replace them with resolve?

René has built his reputation on knowing businesses better than they do themselves; providing answers and solutions no matter how big or small the problems that simmer below the surface.

His messages are practical, real life experiences presented with electrifying effect. He both shakes up and inspires his audiences, showing them not only what lies within their grasp but when to grasp the nettle; keeping them one step ahead of the chasing pack.